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Psychology | Clinical Psychology PhD

The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University adheres to an integrated scientist-practitioner model. In this model, our science advances our practice while, at the same time, our clinical practice guides, directs, and informs our research. Students are trained to integrate the science and practice of psychology by completing specific requirements in didactic instruction and experiential practica. Graduates are capable of functioning as scientists and providers, but are trained with a particular emphasis on the research and academic aspects of psychology.

In accordance with competencies outlined by the American Psychological Association as essential for psychologists and projections regarding the new and innovative ways in which psychologists will need to practice, students are trained to evaluate and administer programs and outcomes, to develop innovative interventions, to be competent supervisors and consultants, and to function effectively in integrated healthcare settings.

The training is generalist; however, the program emphasizes research and clinical experience in complementary healthcare. Students have the opportunity to gain experience in areas of faculty expertise, including mindfulness and MBSR, aging and cognitive issues (e.g., Alzheimer's disease; memory), behavioral neuroscience, pediatric neuropsychology, childhood risk & resilience, and substance abuse.

In accordance with APA policy, the program is not eligible to apply for accreditation until a sufficient number of students has matriculated at each level of the program, including candidacy status (see the APA Commission on Accreditation website for further details). As soon as the program is eligible to initiate the accreditation process, the program faculty will submit an application to the American Psychological Association. Pacific University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Students must accumulate a minimum of 119 credits to graduate and must have completed all required coursework. The following is a typical academic schedule in the clinical psychology PhD program:

Year 1

Fall

Credits

GPSY 982 Research Design & Methodology

3

GPSY 921 Clinical Assessment I - Foundations

3

GPSY 902 Self-Care & the Science and Practices of Mindfulness

3

GPSY 725 Basic Clinical Skills

3

GPSY 735 Basic Clinical Skills Lab

1

GPSY 510

Total 13.5

Spring

Credits

GPSY 980 Advanced Statistics in Psychology I

3

GPSY 922 Clinical Assessment II - Applications

3

GPSY 820 Psychopathology

3

GPSY 813 Social Bases of Behavior

3

GPSY 807 Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior

3

Total 15.5 Credits

Summer

Credits

GPSY 870 Ethics & Professional Issues

3

GPSY 920 Thesis

12

GPSY 722 Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

3

Total 9 Credits

Year 2

Fall

Credits

GPSY 887 Practicum I

4

GPSY 920 Thesis

12

GPSY 802 Advanced Life Span Psychology

3

GPSY 981 Advanced Statistics in Psychology II

3

GPSY 800 History and Systems

3

Total 15 Credits

Spring

Credits

GPSY 887 Practicum I

4

GPSY 920 Thesis

12

GPSY 940 The Role of Psychologist in Integrated Healthcare

3

GPSY 811 Behavioral Neuroscience

3

Total 12 Credits

Summer

Credits

GPSY 887 Practicum I

4

GPSY 920 Thesis

12

GPSY 814 Human Diversity

3

GPSY 819 Human Diversity Laboratory

1

Total 13 credits

Year 3

Fall

Credits

GPSY 888 Practicum II

4

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

GPSY 863 Program Evaluation and Administration

3

Total 9 Credits

Spring

Credits

GPSY 888 Practicum II

4

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

GPSY 951 Neuropsychopharmacology

3

CHP Elective

Total 11 Credits

Summer

Credits

GPSY 888 Practicum II

4

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

Total 6 Credits

Year 4

Fall

Credits

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

GPSY 873 Supervision Practicum

1

Total 6 Credits

Spring

Credits

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

GPSY 873 Supervision Practicum

1

Total 6 Credits

Summer

Credits

GPSY 970 Dissertation

18

Total 1 Credit

Year 5

Fall

Credits

GPSY 890 Internship

1

Total 2 Credits

Spring

Credits

GPSY 890 Internship

1

Total 2 Credits

Summer

Credits

GPSY 890 Internship

1

Total 2 Credits

*Please note that students enrolled in the PhD program have a number of potential elective courses to choose from; however, PhD students do not specialize in one of the six tracks outlined for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).